Music Unit Statement of Mission
To develop in students an understanding of the power of music as a primary discipline in the liberal arts; preparing students to use music to teach and enrich the lives of all persons; and promoting music as a spiritual and cultural force in society and the global community.
MidAmerica Nazarene University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Three degree programs are available in music: the Baccalaureate Degree in Music Education, the Baccalaureate Degree in Music and Worship, and the Liberal Arts Degree in Music.
Baccalaureate Degree in Worship Arts Degree Objective
To prepare music students spiritually, theologically, musically, practically, and technically to lead Christian worship in a musical context.
Outcomes For All Music Degrees
Upon successful completion of music degree programs, students will be able to:
1. analyze historical, cultural, aesthetic, and applied qualities of music as a discipline within the liberal arts;
2. integrate knowledge of music theory, music history, and music performance;
3. present skills required for artistic self-expression in a major performance area;
4. demonstrate skills in music technology specific to educational and compositional practices;
5. develop functional skills and pedagogical knowledge integral to service in music, education, or the church;
6. develop a unique Christian worldview that emphasizes ethical responsibility in transforming lives for the good of the world and for the glory of God.
Additional Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Music and Worship Degree
1. Spiritual - Students will participate in courses and activities across campus that will encourage their faith, strengthen their spiritual walk, challenge personal constructs, and prepare their hearts to serve. (Assessed in the General Education curriculum)
2. Theological - Students will understand formational concepts of the Christian faith as well as gain a deep understanding of how Christian thought is formulated, something every minister regardless of specialty should possess. Students will also develop their own philosophy of worship drawing from historical and contemporary models. (Assessed in Ministry coursework)
3. Musical - Music and Worship students will be cognizant of music theory and history to gain an understanding of the language of music, be knowledgeable about styles and genres which effect current worship trends, be proficient in singing and playing the keyboard and guitar, understand how to teach music in a ministry context, and understand how to lead ensembles of singers and/or instrumentalists. (Assessed in Music core)
4. Practical - Prospective leaders in worship will have practical experience in the field of music ministry through an internship. Students will also be equipped with resources to plan and execute musical worship and competent in team leadership. (Assessed in Music and Worship coursework)
5. Technical - Graduates from the program will have technical understanding of audio/visual media systems, music technology, and administrating a music ministry. (Assessed in Music and Worship coursework)
Senior Comprehensive Exam
All seniors must pass the prescribed comprehensive examination or capstone project prior to or during their final semester of study. All education majors will complete the content area and education area comprehensive requirements as required by each major and area. All music majors must complete a recital to meet content area requirements.
Matriculation
Students seeking formal admission to a music degree program must perform standard freshman-level repertoire, as defined by the department, with acceptable technical accomplishment, for admission into the department as a major. Formal admission to the music program initially occurs at the end of the first semester of enrollment and is based on the primary performance area applied lesson jury examination and grades in freshman music major courses such as Music Theory I, Aural Skills I, Keyboard Skills I, and large ensemble.
Based on the above criteria, the department will accept the student into the intended major, recommend an alternate music major, or deny the student acceptance into the program. In some instances, the student may be accepted on a provisional basis. If a student is provisionally accepted or not accepted into the program or the intended major, the student has two additional opportunities to re-audition, and can continue enrollment in freshman-level music major courses. Re-auditions occur at the end of each semester, typically in connection with the applied lesson jury examination.
A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved by music majors in every course required for their major. If this minimum is not met, the course must be repeated.
Music/General Education
Students pursuing the liberal arts degree program will be required to meet the general education requirements as well as the requirements for the music major. Students planning to prepare for teacher education (Bachelor of Music Education) will be required to take professional education courses earning a “B-” or better as well as the general education core as specified for this professional degree.
Recitals
A recital is required of all music majors, fulfilling the Senior Comprehensive Exam, and representing the culmination of the student’s work to date. Students are required to be enrolled in lessons concurrent with the semester in which they perform a recital.
All recitals must be scheduled with the Department Chair no later than the semester prior to the date proposed to assure placement on University and Departmental calendars. Recital Scheduling Forms are available in the Department of Arts and Humanities office. All forms must be complete before any date becomes official. All recitals must be approved by the applied lesson instructor(s) of all parties involved in the recital and be given a date when each instructor is available to attend the hearing and recital. Recitals are not allowed during the last week of classes or during final exams.
A complete syllabus containing all recital requirements, including scheduling deadlines is available from the Department Chair.
Piano Proficiency
Completion of the Piano Proficiency component exam is accomplished through a basic understanding of the keyboard and demonstrates requirements for performance at the piano. All music degree students must enroll in Keyboard Skills the first semester in college unless they are able to pass into a level not offered the first semester or pass Piano Proficiency at the time of enrollment. Music students in Applied Piano will be required to take a keyboard skills placement exam. Each music degree student must be continuously enrolled in Keyboard Skills I-IV or Applied Piano until successfully completing the Piano Proficiency exam. An entry showing successful completion of the proficiency requirements will appear on the transcript of each music degree student if no Keyboard Skills courses are required. Piano Proficiency, which is imbedded in Keyboard Skills IV, must be passed prior to approval for student teaching.
Applied Music
Individual lessons are offered in guitar, orchestral instruments, piano, voice, improvisation, composition and conducting for all students regardless of degree program. Each music degree has an applied music requirement to be fulfilled in a single performance area. One credit hour lessons receive thirty minutes of private weekly instruction. Two credit hour lessons receive sixty minutes of private weekly instruction. Applied music study requires a minimum of thirteen lessons during the semester and attendance at regularly scheduled studio classes. A performance exam, or jury, is required at the end of each semester of study in the primary performance area or as required by the private teacher in secondary areas. Students are not allowed to study for credit with a teacher not on the faculty of MidAmerica Nazarene University. At least four semesters of lower division study are required before advancing to upper division enrollment.
Music Forum (MUSC 1000)
All students enrolled in music major degree programs must register for Music Forum (MUSC 1000 ) each semester. Music Majors are required to pass the course at least six semesters; music minors are required to pass the course three semesters; and Worship Arts minors are required to pass the course two semesters. All students enrolled in music major degree programs must perform on at least one Music Forum every semester (excluding first semester freshman). If a student fails to perform during a semester, the student must perform twice the following semester.
